Key takeaways
A gas furnace burns natural gas or propane to create heat, and it only heats; you still need a separate air conditioner for summer. A heat pump is an electric system that moves heat instead of burning fuel, so a single unit both heats your home in winter and cools it in summer.
A gas furnace paired with an existing air conditioner usually has a lower upfront cost than a comparable heat pump system. However, a heat pump replaces both your heating and cooling equipment in one purchase, which can narrow the gap. Available federal and Maryland efficiency rebates can also lower the cost of a qualifying heat pump.
Heat pumps are very efficient because they move heat rather than generate it, so they often cost less to run across a full Maryland year that includes both heating and cooling. Gas furnaces can be competitive when natural gas prices are low. Your actual savings depend on local utility rates and how well your home holds heat.
Yes. Montgomery County winters are cold but moderate, and modern heat pumps, including cold-climate models, heat efficiently well below freezing. During rare deep cold snaps their efficiency drops, which is why backup or supplemental heat is built into most installations to keep your home comfortable.
A well-maintained gas furnace typically lasts about 15 to 20 years, while a heat pump usually lasts around 10 to 15 years because it runs year-round for both heating and cooling. Regular maintenance from Shemtov Systems helps either system reach the high end of its expected lifespan.
For most Maryland homes a heat pump is well suited to our humid summers and moderate winters, since it handles both seasons efficiently. A gas furnace remains a strong choice for homes in colder pockets or those without much insulation.
A dual-fuel system combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles mild and moderate temperatures efficiently, and the furnace takes over during the coldest weather, giving you the best of both.
Your electric use will rise because the heat pump now handles heating, but your gas bill drops or disappears. Because heat pumps are so efficient, many Maryland homeowners see lower total energy costs over the year.
The best way is a professional assessment of your home’s size, insulation, ductwork, and existing equipment. A NATE-certified Shemtov Systems technician can evaluate your home and recommend the right fit; call 240-355-3333.
Call Shemtov Systems at 240-355-3333 for trusted heating and cooling service across Montgomery County and the Washington DC metro. Family-owned since 1981.
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